Delegation is a dance, but many leaders stumble through it. They assign tasks, then hover, changing scope and timelines on a whim. The result? Demotivated employees and frustrated leaders.
According to a Gallup study, only 30% of employees feel their opinions count at work. This lack of trust and autonomy is a recipe for disaster.
Richard Branson once said, “Delegation is one of the most important leadership skills. The ability to delegate is the main difference between a good leader and a great leader.”
But proper delegation isn’t about offloading tasks. It’s about empowering others to own projects and grow. When leaders let go, they’re often pleasantly surprised by the results.
The key? Trust. Do you trust your team? If not, why did you hire them? If you do, prove it by stepping back.
A study by the Harvard Business Review found that employees who feel trusted are 76% more engaged at work. That’s a game-changer for productivity and innovation.
Remember, control is an illusion. Authentic leadership is about building a team that can function without you. As Steve Jobs said, “It doesn’t make sense to hire smart people and tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.”
So, leaders make the first move. Let go. If they fail, teach and learn. If they succeed, celebrate. That’s how organizations grow, scale, and prosper.
